Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni

Valentino Balboni, a Lamborghini test driver known only to Top Gear nerds, now has a model named after him. Automobili Lamborghini has just unveiled the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni. It also happens to be the first rear-wheel-drive Gallardo.

The standard 2009 Gallardo LP 560-4 comes with a 560 hp 5.2-litre V10 and all-wheel-drive. More than 9,000 units of the Gallardo range has already been produced. However, the Gallardo LP 550-2 Balboni will have a slightly-detuned 550 hp 5.2-litre V10 and rear-wheel-drive, while being limited to 250 units.

The rear-driven LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni is designed for “fun” that an all-wheel-drive car simply cannot offer. The springs, dampers, stabilisers, tyres and even the aerodynamics were all adjusted to take account of the change in drivetrain.

The rear axle differential, with a 45% limited slip, was also redeveloped, as was the calibration of the optional e-gear automanual transmission. A manual gearbox is standard. One significant change was the adjustments made to the ESP system. While the standard program is focused on high stability, the “CORSA” stability program permits greater drift angles.

The 550 hp weighs 1380 kg now, lighter than the standard Gallardo. The LP 550-2 can do the 0-100 kph run in 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of 320 kph.

The Valentino Balboni model has a colour strip in white and gold running from the front panel over the roof and parts of the engine cover all the way to the rear spoiler. The special edition is available in eight colours. The Scorpius wheels retain their dark grey finish, while the brake calipers come in black, orange or yellow, depending on the exterior paint finish. The interior comes in black-and-white leather upholstery. A badge below the left side window bears the signature of Valentino Balboni and the production number of the car.

The American-spec model is priced at the equivalent of Dhs 800,000, which means the GCC-spec version will be marked up beyond Dhs 1 million.